Storms pummel Midwest

Thousands stuck at Ill. airports; Biden's flight delayed

Jun. 22, 2011 12:00 AMAssociated Press

CHICAGO - Thunderstorms and heavy winds pounded the upper Midwest on Tuesday night, leaving thousands stranded at Chicago's two major airports after their flights were canceled and temporarily delaying the departure of Vice President Joe Biden, who was in town for a fundraiser.

The Chicago Aviation Department reported more than 300 flights were canceled at O'Hare International Airport, with incoming and outgoing flights delayed by at least two hours. More than 30 flights were canceled at Midway International Airport.

Biden was in Chicago attending a Democratic fundraiser and raising money for an epilepsy foundation. After a delay, he arrived at O'Hare and was preparing to return to Washington.

Commonwealth Edison reported power outages to about 110,000 of the utility's customers. Spokesman Bennie Currie said most of the outages are in Chicago's southern suburbs, where downed power lines cut electricity to 42,000 customers.

Storms also damaged two hangars at Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Mich. WZZM-TV reported the airport hangars were pulled off their foundations by the winds Tuesday night, exposing the aircraft inside. Three people inside were hurt, and one was taken to a hospital for a head cut, the station reported.

No tornadoes were immediately reported, but the National Weather Service issued tornado warnings until 10:30 p.m. for parts of Genesee and Saginaw counties, saying conditions were favorable for funnel-cloud formation.

The Midwest storms came one day after the evacuation of the College World Series in Omaha, Neb. Sirens blared and fans were ushered to an underground shelter as heavy rain pelted the city.

The game between Florida and Vanderbilt was suspended until Tuesday, with the Gators winning 3-1.